Jahn Witzel

Jahn Frederick Witzel, 79, Stoughton, went home to his Savior, in the peaceful woods, on January 13, 2020.  He was born August 28, 1940, in Madison, to Professor Stanley Sr. and Adalene (Jahns) Witzel.  He married Janice Holthaus (Colesburg, IA) in 1966. Jahn was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He was a hardworking man with many talents and skills that he used to help others.  He was a great storyteller with an amazing sense of humor that allowed him to connect with so many people.  He loved being outdoors, traveling, kayaking, hiking, and cutting wood.  He traveled all over for his grandchildren, spending time with them and watching them play sports.  He was a man of great faith that compelled him to serve others selflessly and with joy.  He volunteered for various organizations throughout his life, always on the lookout to help wherever there was a need and stepping in without being asked.  During his early life he was a volunteer firefighter, mayor of Hollandale, WI, and president of the Dodgeville hospital board.  He dedicated his retired years to Habitat for Humanity, the Stoughton Hospital, American Legion Honor Guard, various church committees, and clearing the Stoughton hiking trails for people to enjoy.  He was awarded as one of the Volunteers of the Year for the city of Stoughton in 2017 and 2019.  His final activity was applying for a trip on the Badger Honor Flight, connecting with his Navy community, and just finding out he qualified to receive a medal for his time of service at the end of the Vietnam War.

Jahn attended Cooksville Country School, graduated from Stoughton High School, attended UW Platteville, and graduated from UW Madison.  He worked for Witzel Truck Lines out of Iowa, served in the Navy as a sonarman on the USS Buchanan.  He owned and operated a small concrete business for 17 years, in Hollandale WI.  He also enjoyed his work in the gravel industry and as a long-haul truck driver.

He is survived by his wife Janice (Jan) ; son, Glenn; daughter, Laura (Brett Myers); grandchildren, Kennedy Myers and Jackson Myers; sister-in-law, Betty Witzel; nephews, David Witzel, Erich (Melissa) Witzel, Blair (Heidi) Witzel; niece, Christi (Dave) Hagberg; and many other loving relatives.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Theodore, Dr. Stanley Jr., and infant brother Wilford.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday January 23, 2020 at PEOPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 103 Alpine Parkway, Oregon.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the service at the church on Thursday.

Memorials can be sent to Habitat for Humanity, 3101 Latham Drive, Madison, WI 53713 or American Legion Post 59, 803 N. Page Street, Stoughton, WI 53589

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5801 Highway 51  McFarland

(608) 838-0655